Solved Messenger Contacts Layout

[Verecoth]

Hi, not sure if there's another thread with this question but I didn't see one so here it is. I just downloaded and installed the latest version of Window Live Messenger and the contact list has me frustrated. I've gotten used to the layout being a certain way over the last several years and it's messing me up severely with how it is now.

The problem is this; before now, my contacts have always been displayed in a list pressed against the left side of the page. Now, they are arranged in a grid pattern which makes it more difficult for me to find a contact at a glance. Admittedly, it's only a second or two to find the contact I'm looking for, but it still annoys me.

Is there any way to change it to the list format again? I haven't been able to find that control anywhere.

By the way, the version of messenger I'm talking about is 15.4.3555.308

 

[koolkat77]

Hi and welcome to Vista Forums.

click on Tools -> Options -> Contacts and set the organize contacts by "online status" attached are pictures of what i'm talking about. you may also un-select the options in more settings if you do not like them.

HTH

 

[Verecoth]

No, that's not what I want. I want my contacts arranged solely by status in a single list against the left side of the window, but they are instead in a grid pattern that reads left to right in a grid pattern. How do I change it to the list?

 

[koolkat77]

No, that's not what I want. I want my contacts arranged solely by status in a single list against the left side of the window, but they are instead in a grid pattern that reads left to right in a grid pattern. How do I change it to the list?

see that small icon there? click on switch to compact view

 

[Verecoth]

I already did that, but my contacts are still listed in a grid pattern, running from right to left. I want a single list down the left hand side as it used to be in the previous version of messenger. One list, on the left.

I don't want this:

X X X X
X X X X

I want this:

X
X
X
X

 

[koolkat77]

I already did that, but my contacts are still listed in a grid pattern, running from right to left. I want a single list down the left hand side as it used to be in the previous version of messenger. One list, on the left.

I don't want this:

X X X X
X X X X

I want this:

X
X
X
X

like this?
Ps. a screenshot of how your msn looks would be helpful. You may rub off the email ids like i've done.

 

[Verecoth]

Yes, that's exactly what I want.



This is what it looks like now.

 

[koolkat77]

you have to un-select all the options in under "more settings" and set organize contacts by: online status

btw, i just noticed, you have your messenger maximized which is why your contacts are appearing

xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx

you have to make the messenger box a little squeezed like mine in order to see them that way. otherwise, this version of messenger does not work like the old one

anyway, mark the thread solved once youre done

take care